PVA on the print bed

2014.12.28 12:32

I typically apply Elmer's "Washable School Glue" to my 3D printed bed. Before I left for XMAS vacation I did not encounter any curling when printing ABS. When I left for XMAS vacation I came back and blithely started printing again. All of my prints were now curling, even after I releveled the bed.

After a few loud exclamations of intense dismay, I realized that I was applying fresh PVA over hardened PVA. Although I had been gone only a few days, the tackiness of the PVA was gone. Whether the solvents in the glue had evaporated or enough dust had settled on the glue I cannot be sure. I do know now I will be reapplying the glue stick bed every few days and that I still vouch for the efficacy of the mundane glue stick.

Other Considerations

After any failed process I always take a step back and look at not only what went wrong but other things that could go wrong as well:

• Application technique: My application technique is somewhat haphazard, but I do check the glass for any reflective spots that indicate a lack of glue. I will go in a boustrophedon pattern, start from the back and going left. I will incorporate circular strokes along this path to ensure more even coverage.
• According to the Elmer's FAQ, loss of water will cause the glue to harden prematurely. I will store the unused glue sticks in heat sealed plastic bags to extend their shelf life.

References

• Elmer's Glue FAQ